Earth Air Fire Water: Elements of Art
Boston: Museum of Fine Arts, 1971. 1st Edition. 2 vols., quarto, publisher's black wire spiral-bound acetate wraps printed in blue and green.
Two-volume catalog published in conjunction with a multi-site exhibition of conceptual art held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 1971. The show, guest-curated by Virginia Hunter, was mounted in response to accusations the museum had a traditional, elitist atmosphere that refused to engage with modern art. Organized as the final event in the museum's centennial program, "Earth Air Fire Water" eschewed "fine art" works, presenting instead a series of installations, happenings, and tableau by twenty-five of the contemporary art world's major players, including Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, Christo, Hans Haacke, Robert Smithson, and Richard Budelis (whose live eel vinyl tubing tank was protested by animal rights activists). Shortly after the exhibit, director Perry Rathbone announced the appointment of Kenworth Moffett as first curator of modern art at the museum. Illustrated in black-and-white; with an essay by art critic David Antin, artist biographies, and a selected bibliography. Catalog designed by graphic artisit and book designer Carl F. Zahn, the museum's publications director. Coffee ring to p.56 of vol. I. Chipping to acetate spine-ends of vol. I, top corner of lower acetate wrap of vol. II bent. Very good. Item #12638
$250.00